Omega Centenary Automatic 18K 1948 Chronometer – Sorry Now Sold 7th July ’17

Description

Here we have a simply stunning 1948 Omega Centenary Chronometer, 18ct automatic, released in limited numbers at the time of the 100th anniversary of the Omega Watch Company, Geneva Switzerland. The first Omega Automatic Chronometer wristwatch and the predecessor of both the Omega Seamaster and the Omega Constellation, at the time of launch this watch was Omega’s finest work to date. It has the Omega model reference 2499 and carries the Omega Calibre 343 Chronometer, highly accurate bumper automatic movement with a special (RG) regulator which allows for very fine calibration. The watch also has the very finest quality, Omega Swiss made watch case size 33mm excluding the Omega winding crown. At 10mm depth, this was the thinnest automatic watch of its time. On careful examination, the case is absolutely beautiful with whimsical lugs described as ‘resembling the neck of a violin’. The gold dial and dial furniture are all actually, solid 18ct gold!

This was such an upscale watch and was so expensive when launched they were sold in a solid silver Omega presentation box! Sadly this does not accompany the watch and very few survive, having been lost or put to other uses.

The Omega Centenary was created by the great Rene Bannwart who went on to create the Omega Seamaster, launched in 1948 and the Omega Constellation in 1952 before becoming head of the production for Omega’s entire collection in 1954. Bannwart then left Omega to form Corum in 1955 and later conceiving many great watches including the Corum Golden Bridge, perhaps the most amazing watch design ever produced, in 1980 and still in production, along with the Seamaster and Constellation, to this day! Rene Bannwart has rightfully earned the status of one of the greatest watchmakers of the 20th Century.

Having been carefully sympathetically restored, everything about this watch is immaculate and in tip top condition.

The Case

Omega really pushed the boat out when they designed their ‘Centenary’ watch. They employed all their best talents and endeavours to produce their finest wristwatch to date. This covers every aspect of the watch including the dial, the movement and the watch case. The 18ct, 33mm excluding the crown, three piece Omega Swiss made watch case here is the pinnacle of design, craftsmanship and quality. The strong but elegant swept back lugs are wonderful and the curved case back and bezel are beautifully designed to make the case appear as a whole rather than parts matched together. All, simply beautiful and the highest quality.

The Movement

When this watch was produced towards the end of the 1940s, Omega had some of the best technology, best watchmaking skills and some of the best craftsmen in the world, and the company was even more highly regarded than we might imagine today. Not only did they have a great heritage and track record, but WW2 orders from the British armed forces and a consequent huge upswing in investment in R&D meant the company were well set to produce some of the finest watch movements of their time and which are held in the highest regard today for the masterpieces they truly are. There are some excellent articles available, easily found today about the Centenary but suffice to say, it is one of those true masterpieces and miracles of micromechanical engineering which we simply call, watchmaking. It lead to the Constellation and to many, the Centenary is.. the fist ‘Constellation’.

The Dial

Solid gold with a slight sunburst finish, applied facetted diamond hour indices and (Breguet) Arabic 12 and applied Omega brand, all dial furniture being solid gold. All beautifully balanced with a sundial at 6. Completed with original Dauphine hands. This is the original dial which has never been restored or touched and it is in immaculate condition.

The Strap and Buckle

The strap fitted is a high-quality black lizard skin strap with an Omega gold plated buckle. Please note, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock, in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. New Omega straps are available in many styles and colours starting at £150. Please let us know your preferences.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1948.

Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included, with our separate detailed receipt and our 12 months Warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The matching vintage, Omega presentation box included in the photographs is included.

In Conclusion

The Omega Centenary is a significant and sought after model which is gaining a much higher profile than it has been afforded to date.

This is a superb, highly collectable top of the range vintage gold watch from one of horology’s most famous names, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy!  It will make an excellent evening wear dress watch as well as be a practical, highly accurate and reliable timepiece to wear on an everyday basis. Omega Constellations, especially of this period are very highly regarded amongst aficionados of the brand but however, you may wish to view this, as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches grows ever larger, the limited supply allied to high demand, means prices will inevitably climb ever higher!

We promise you, you will never be disappointed you bought this watch! From every aspect and no matter how closely you look, it is immaculate and cannot be faulted.

A word on our prices… We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept Paypal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

*Note – 12 Month warranty only included if the list price is paid.

If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250

Or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250

Please note we welcome part exchanges.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.